Green solutions from Sweden vol 5

S P E C I A L E D I T I O N F R O M T H E M A G A Z I N E M I L J Ö A K T U E L LT, M I L J Ö A K T U E L LT. S E PRI C E : 2 0 E U RO

GREEN SOLUTIONS

from sweden 2013

Swedish Cleantech Companies that will change the world The man opening doors for Swedish cleantech • Why IKEA invests in c­ leantech The Boom: Swedish cleantech ­on the rise • Anna-Karin Hatt: Decides on Sweden’s future energy • What’s happening inside Swedish cleantech clusters?

With a sustainable vision 2021 792(7:%00´7 %1&-8-32 is to become one of the world’s best cities for sustainable development. Sundsvall is also planning for an entirely new logistics solution for heavy goods, as well as a combined biogas plant that will process organic domestic waste and sludge from industry and sewage treatment. A fossil fuel-free transport corridor – the Green Highway from Sundsvall to Trondheim in Norway – has been established and has achieved changes that others only talk about. [[[ KVIIRLMKL[E] RY ` WYRHWZEPPPSKMWXMOTEVO WI

2366% /%.)2 %2( 8,) ,)**2)67 -2(9786-%0 7-8) are located at the heart of Sundsvall Bay and have been sites for timber and charcoal handling, sawmills, and industries since the mid-1800s. This area of Sundsvall is now set to become the greenest district , with a pro-environment approach. [[[ RSVVEOENIR WI

792(7:%00 is home to the first complete house built from cellular glass, Villa Kim. Villa Kim has minimal impact on the environment, according to architect Anders Nyquist. The whole objective of the project was to create a house with low energy consumption, low annual costs, easy maintenance, low useful-life costs, and no connection to the municipal sewage or district heating systems. [[[ OSPNIVR WI [[[ IGSG]GPIHIWMKR GSQ

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792(7:%00 %2( 8,) 6)+-32 have a long history as international meeting places for industrial development and business with a focus on the forestry industry. Our ambition nowadays is to continue to be an excellent host for sustainable growth development. Sundsvall welcomes you to an international event to be held in 2014, World CleanTech Forum. More information to come.

1-( 7;)()2 92-:)67-8= %2( d/63/)2 7'-)2') 4%6/ in Sundsvall are home to world-class research and innovation. Business in Mid Sweden is greatly influenced by the region’s large and important forest industry and Åkroken Science Park’s mission is to create a center for world-class innovation using the forest as a resource. Additionally, forestry industry research at Mid Sweden University ranks as some of the best in the world. [[[ QMYR WI ` [[[ EOVSOIR WI

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e ditori a l Column

HigHligHt s

Why Sweden?

There is a reason why you’re reading this magazine; a reason why it exists at all. The Swedish cleantech market is a world leader–and has been for many years. Sweden is full of unique system solutions and innovative cleantech innovations that have been commercialized, integrated into Swedish society, and then exported to much of the rest of the world in an exemplary way.

You may wonder how little Sweden can boast being one of the world’s leading cleantech countries. Here is the reason: Decades of stringent environmental legislation and community planning that includes tough environmental requirements have created an economy where high levels of environmental and sustainability performance have become standard. It is this that has contributed to Sweden’s development of unique innovations and solutions. sweden and swedish represenTaTives have also pushed environmental and sustainability agendas internationally for decades and have managed to raise the status of these efforts. This has helped to elevate this small northern European country’s status to one of the world’s greenest and most sustainable countries.

Although other countries are now also investing heavily in cleantech, Swedish companies remain at the forefront in several fields. The purpose of this magazine is to present trends, identify pivotal advances, and chart market movements within the cleantech field. For this reason, we’ve included a unique list of 50 hot Swedish cleantech companies that have reached different stages in their cleantech journey. Some may have begun to commercialize, others are in the process of reaching out to an international market, and many are likely looking for venture capital. i would also like To recommend our interview with Mats Denninger. Denninger has been appointed by the Swedish government to open doors for Swedish cleantech in China, India, and Russia–three of the world’s most exciting markets. Oh, and don’t miss the magazine’s last pages, where we provide a run-down of what’s happening in cleantech throughout Sweden.

mikael salo Publisher 4 | G R EEN SO LU T I O NS FRO M S W ED EN

HigHligHts Vol.5 14

50 Hot CleanteCH Companies Sweden is home to more than 5,000 cleantech companies. We introduce 50 of the hottest here, together with five other companies that are particularly interesting right now.

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one minister – two portfolios Sweden has one minister responsible for both IT and energy. This division of responsibility comes as no surprise to the minister herself, Anna-Karin Hatt, who recognizes that the two fields are becoming increasingly integrated. Renewable energy, energy efficiency, cleantech exports, and research are important fields for her ministry.

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iKea inveStS in cleantecH IKEA’s venture capital company, IKEA GreenTech AB, is investing heavily in cleantech. The company has so far invested EUR 12 million in four companies, two of which are Swedish.

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How we Made our exportS a SucceSS One of Sweden’s true success stories in cleantech exports is Envac. The company is a world leader in automated waste management and has 38 offices in 21 countries.

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SwediSH cleantecH Swedish cleantech is a hive of activity. We’ve checked out what’s happening in some of Sweden’s regional cleantech networks.

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Flow regulator HelpS Manage wetlandS The eutrophication of lakes and seas affected by algal blooms and changes in fish stocks has become a serious problem in many countries. One reason behind the problem is changes in land use, but a project in southern Sweden is now reversing this trend.

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China, India, and Russia are priority markets for Swedish cleantech exports and Mats Denninger is the man tasked with coordinating Sweden’s efforts to open their doors.

“There is no quick fix here. It will take both patience and resources to succeed,” Denninger explains.

Munters, Blueair, Termoekonomi, Malmberg, and Purac. We look at five companies that have achieved success in export markets.

tHe Man wHo openS doorS

Five SucceSS StorieS

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More and More cleantecH in Sweden The Swedish cleantech sector turns over SEK 120 billion every year. So say the latest statistics from 2011.

But the real story is the sector’s rapid growth.

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training in SuStainabilityplanning Umeå is home to all the knowledge necessary to understand how Sweden succeeded in becoming one of the world’s leading countries for sustainability work. International students rank Umeå University number one in Sweden and number five in the world.

publisher/chief editor: Mikael Salo, business manager: Ingemar Jansson, editorial production: Dynamo Press AB , print: Elanders, contact: IDG, Miljöaktuellt, Karlbergsvägen77, 10678 Stockholm, +4687996249, , Sales: +4684536044, green.solutions@idg.se, webb: www.greensweden.se, iSSn: 0345-763x information: Green Solutions from Sweden is a brand within International Data Group, IDG, Sweden and includes a magazine, online industry guide and newsletter.

IDG is the world’s leading technology media, events and research company. Copyright © 2012 International Data Group.

All rights reserved.

GR EEN SO LU T I O NS FRO M S W ED EN | 5

in the spotlight

sorubin gaining ground in landfill Market

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pproximately 90 Swedish municipal landfills are required by environmental regulations to aerate their leachate—either to treat it before it is sent on to purification plants or to recipient bodies of water, or to aerate the water to resolve odors that could otherwise spread long distances. Historically, aeration has been costly because it is energy-intensive.

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The Swedish cleantech company Sorubin, however, is now making advances with its Vortex Aerator, which can potentially reduce power consumption by 90 percent.

A contract was recently signed with the Swedish municipality of Hallsberg, and now Sorubin proudly supplies aeration services to 25 percent of the landfill market.

“Our success comes thanks to a great product and value for money.

Our customers have discovered that all they basically have to do is place the aerator in the water and then let it do its thing without further ado.

Naturally, we’re very happy to have succeeded in winning 25 percent of Sweden’s landfill market. That said, we’re also thinking about markets beyond our local municipalities. The need for aeration is even greater out there,” says Sorubin CEO Stefan Sandström.

eea: sweden among top ten In recyclIng

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weden ranks at number six among Europe’s top ten household waste recyclers.

In 2010 Sweden recycled 465 kg of waste per capita, equaling 49 percent of the total volume of household waste produced. This is 20 kg increase compared with ten years ago.

Back then Sweden recycled 442 kg per capita, according to statistics

compiled by the EU’s European Environment Agency (EEA).

This means that Swedish households are among the best recyclers after Austria (63%), Germany (62%), Belgium (58%), Switzerland (51%) and the Netherlands (51%). Sweden has improved its ranking from 2001, when it placed seventh.

In 2010, on average 35 percent of household waste was recycled in

Europe, a considerable improvement over 2001’s figure of 23 percent.

Even so, large amounts of household waste still end up either in landfills or as filler material.

According to the EEA, many European countries appear unable to achieve the Waste Framework Directive’s 2020 goal of recycling 50 percent of their municipal solid waste.

Fortum opens Its own Heat productIon to competItIon

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innish energy company Fortum has launched an open district heating program in Stockholm. The idea is that the company will reuse its customers’ waste heat, opening up its own heat production to competition.

In the pilot project, Fortum will buy waste heat at market prices that are based on demand, that is to say, on the outdoor temperature, from customers like the Östermalm food hall, Zinkensdamm sports stadium, the grocery chains Coop, ICA, and Hemköp, the Bahnhof ISP, the real estate company Fabege, the Stora Sköndal Foundation,

and a commercial bank. The project will run during 2013 to assess the price model and technology. Fortum hopes to launch a large-scale program in 2014.

“Waste heat is nothing new. What is unique about our open district heating initiative is that it opens up our own production to competition,” explains Lena Gunnarsson, Fortum’s Product Manager for District Heating.

In other words, the program is not about a traditional purchase of waste heat from large industries. Instead, the idea is that all customers, large and small alike, should be able to sell

small-scale waste heat on a spot market. “At Fortum, we hope the project will help us avoid having to make large investments in the future that bind up capital in new production facilities.

If we can buy heat cheaper from our customers, then, naturally, we’re happy to do so,” Gunnarsson concludes. For Fortum, open district heating programs have great potential. “There is major international interest, and we have fielded a number of enquiries from places like South Korea and the US. So this could really be a big thing,” she adds.

GR EEN SO LU T I O NS FRO M S W ED EN | 7

in the spotlight

energy Directive can create 30,000 new Jobs

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weden cannot afford to miss the opportunities created by the EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), according to the Swedish network 100% Förnybart. According to the network, more efficient energy use would not only generate major environmental benefits, but also create around 30,000 new jobs in Sweden.

100% Förnybart hopes that the Swedish Minister for IT and Energy, Anna-Karin Hatt, will focus on this in

her upcoming announcement of Sweden’s strategy for implementing the EED. The network proposes that Sweden harness the job-creating potential of the EED by mirroring the EU’s efficiency target, to set higher targets for energy efficiency for buildings, to use energy declarations as an active tool for transitioning to higher efficiency and to allow municipalities to set their own, more stringent energy requirements through their public procurements.

The network also wants to encourage new business models, e.g. by awarding white certificates (ESC) as incentives for electricity producers to reduce end-customer energy consumption, and to encourage the private sector to make greater and more conscious efforts to conserve energy through energy management in accordance with the Swedish Programme for Improving Energy Efficiency in Energy Intensive Industries (PFE).

eU coUrt to review ÅlanD winD power’s case

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he European Court has begun looking into Swedish state subsidies to a wind power park on the autonomous Finnish island of Åland.

This will set an important precedent regarding whether government funds may be paid to facilities in other countries, according to Reuters.

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The Åland wind power company, which is connected to the Swedish power grid, but not the Finnish grid, has petitioned Swedish courts, complaining that it is not entitled to the same subsidies as Swedish wind power farms, which results in a competitive disadvantage.

The European Court is now set to decide the case.

It is thought that the Court’s

decision will have major ramifications in the ongoing tug-of-war between the European Commission, which wants to share the cost of renewable energy sources between EU nations, and parts of the German energy industry, which believe that such support breaches antitrust laws.

The court is expected to deliberate for at least a year. Its decision will be binding for Swedish courts.

EuropE’s GrEEnEst BuildinG

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he headquarters of Swedish construction company Skanska at Väla Gård in Helsingborg was awarded more points in its LEED certification process than any other European building. The building received 95 of a possible 100 points, making it the third most environmentally friendly building in the world, as defined by the LEED program.

“The building is definitely a shining example of sustainable construction. Internally, we refer to

Väla Gård as a deep green building,” explains Agneta Wannerström, Development Leader for green buildings at Skanska.

According to the Business Case for Green Building report, sustainable construction can also provide financial benefits. Wannerström and Skanska share this conclusion.

“Profitability is something we discussed at length. We are definitely seeing a continual downward trend in the cost of green construction. We have long placed requirements on our

suppliers, and this is now bearing fruit. All the products needed for green construction are available today. What’s more, they have both improved and have become cheaper.

At the same time, the cost of the learning curve for construction companies has fallen. We have found solutions that we can re-use in later projects. Under the right conditions, today we can build sustainably without incurring any additional costs,” Wannerström concludes.

nEw wEBBasEd support for sustainaBlE ConstruCtion

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aint-Gobain, the world’s largest manufacturer of construction materials, wants to help its customers switch to sustainable construction.

As part of this initiative, the company has launched the Internetbased support tool Hållbart byggande (www.hållbartbyggande.se) in Sweden.

According to CEO Lars-Erik Edgarsson, the site will serve as a useful tool and source of inspiration

for anyone working within green construction. The website explains how Saint-Gobain’s construction materials meet the requirements for the green building certifications LEED, BREEAM, and Miljöbyggnad.

“Looking at the use of the different environmental certifications in the building sector, you see a continual increase. As a materials manufacturer, we want to make it easy for our customers to keep up with green requirements,” says Edgarsson.

GR EEN SO LU T I O NS FRO M S W ED EN | 9

in thE spOtlight

innOvAtiOn COuld MAkE swEdEn A nEt ExpOrtEr Of BiOgAs

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hanks to its new innovation, Arc Aroma Pure, based in Lund, Sweden, has succeeded in achieving production increases of 15 to 28 percent in biogas plants.

The company announced that the method also opens up the way for the use of new types of raw materials, such as seaweed and forest

waste in these plants. Arc Aroma Pure even goes so far as to claim that Sweden could become a net exporter of biogas, thanks to the technique.

The new technique is based on high-voltage pulses that kill microorganisms by destroying cells inside the waste, which breaks the raw material down at the cellular level, releasing nutrients.

The method is currently undergoing large-scale testing at an industrial biogas plant in SkĂĽne, southern Sweden.

Arc Aroma Pure is also arranging a new share issue prior to listing on the stock market in order to raise capital for the commercialization of its innovation.

AsphAlt with MiniMAl CO2 EMissiOns

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he Swedish Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering (JTI) recently began a collaborative project with Russian authorities.

The project aims to export expertise and experience gained during Swedish

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biogas production. JTI has established a partnership with the Russian Engineering Academy of Management and Agribusiness (RIAMA) and the Russian Energy Agency (REA). The Swedish Energy Agency is responsible for financing JTI’s part of the project.

In concrete terms, the project may involve building and exporting mobile biogas plants for pilot studies, for example. It may also open doors to the Russian market for Swedish technology companies and assist them with networking building.

New TechNique Measures ciTies’ GrowTh

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orking in collaboration with a number of research teams, Professor Yifang Ban of the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) has succeeded in developing a technique that maps urban growth and its environmental consequences.

The technique incorporates synthetic aperture radar images, which are later combined with other satellite imagery. For example, by

merging a ten-year-old image with a current image, the technique creates a third image that directly shows the changes to the city and how it has expanded. It can also provide data for calculating how the city’s growth is affecting the environment.

“Naturally, there is ongoing debate about which measurements should be used to calculate environmental impact. Among others, we use a measure called ‘loss of ecosystem services value translated into cash’

when forest and cultivated land is built on. That loss can be used as a measure of the impact on the environment,” says Yifang.

The world’s cities are growing rapidly. For example, during the decade spanning 2000 to 2010, New York City grew by 4.8 percent.

During the same period, Shanghai grew by an astounding 65.5 percent. Today, over half of the world’s population lives in cities.

GR EEN SO LU T I O NS FRO M S W ED EN | 11

in the spotlight

green Buildings are good Business

T Växjö energi Builds green data Center of the Year The 2012 Swedish Green Data Center of the Year is in Växjö. The center belongs to the power company Växjö Energi and the Wexnet municipal broadband network company. Data center supplier Coromatic, which presents the annual award, described Växjö Energi’s and Wexnet’s jointly owned data center as “excellent” from an environmental engineering standpoint.

Wexnet’s CTO Lars Wihlborg 12 | G R EEN SO LU T I O NS FRO M S W ED EN

explains that the engineering solution behind the data center is likely unique. “Our district cooling network first sends its coolant to a large shopping center. The remaining coolant is then returned by way of the data center. The excess heat created there is then used to heat the playing field of a local soccer club.

So, in that way, the cooling energy is used three times over,” says Wihlborg.

he headquarters of Swedish construction company Skanska at Väla Gård in Helsingborg was awarded more points in its LEED certification process than any other European building. The building received 95 of a possible 100 points, making it the third most environmentally friendly building in the world, as defined by the LEED program.

“The building is definitely a shining example of sustainable construction. Internally, we refer to Väla Gård as a deep green building,” explains Agneta Wannerström, Development Leader for green buildings at Skanska.

According to the Business Case for Green Building report, sustainable construction can also provide financial benefits. Wannerström and Skanska share this conclusion.

“Profitability is something we discussed at length. We are definitely seeing a continual downward trend in the cost of green construction. We have long placed requirements on our suppliers, and this is now bearing fruit. All the products needed for green construction are available today. What’s more, they have both improved and have become cheaper. At the same time, the cost of the learning curve for construction companies has fallen. We have found solutions that we can re-use in later projects.

Under the right conditions, today we can build sustainably without incurring any additional costs,” Wannerström concludes.

An arena for cleantech companies in Dalarna and Gävleborg

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GR EEN SO LU T I O NS FRO M S W ED EN | 13

top f top the hot lis t

sweden’s 50 hotest cleantech companies green solutions full list 1._______________________________________sorubin.

Sorubin develops energy-efficient aerators for industrial water treatment, such as for process water, wastewater, drinking water, and landfill leachate. Sorubin’s customers include companies in the pulp and paper industry, textile industry, food industry, metal manufacturing, chemical industry, and pharmaceutical industry, and public water and wastewater treatment plants. Sorubin has recently received widespread publicity and several accolades, including being named in the Global Top 100 and the Greentech Top 3 as one of Sweden’s hottest start-ups in cleantech, and as one of ten finalists for the Stockholm Cleantech Venture Day Award. “We are extremely proud of our success. Gaining the trust of an entire industry in just a few years shows that our customers derive real benefit from our offering. We’re now preparing for the next step in our expansion into the vastly larger industries of municipal and industrial wastewater. As we scale up, we’re starting to make an impact on a whole new level,” says Stefan Sandström, CEO of Sorubin.

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pfive five Sweden is home to more than 5,000 cleantech companies. Here we introduce 50 of the hottest and single out five that we think are particularly interesting right now.

2._______________________________innventia.

Innventia is a research and development company that develops innovations based on raw materials sourced from forests. Using a science-based approach, Innventia aims to contribute to increased competitiveness, productivity, profitability, and innovative ability. The company contributes expertise along the entire value chain; from assessing the characteristics of wood raw materials at the molecular level, to the finished product on the store shelf and how customers perceive it. One recent Innventia client is North American pulp and paper company Domtar, which recently installed a plant for separating lignin from pulp production at its mill in Plymouth, North Carolina. The mill is the first commercial-scale plant of its kind in the world to be based on the LignoBoost technology. The lignin is intended for use in a wide range of industrial applications; either as a bio-based alternative to oil and other fossil fuels, or as a raw material for producing other materials, among other things. “Having worked on this project from its inception makes a day like today— when production starts in earnest—very special. Many people have contributed to the research and development work that has taken these ideas from concept to finished product,” says Innventia’s Per Tomani.

GR EEN SO LU T I O NS FRO M S W ED EN | 15

the hot lis t

3.___________________________solelia greentech.

Solelia Greentech is a Swedish company working to become a leader in solar cell solutions for electric vehicles. In 2011, the company launched Sweden’s first solar-based charging station for electric cars. Solar installations from Solelia Greentech are designed to resist sun and rain, and occupy only a minimal amount of the parking lot’s surface area. What’s more, they can follow the sun during the daytime, so that they are always positioned at the optimal angle, thereby producing maximum electricity; that is, up to 30 percent more than conventional fixed solar cells. The Swedish Association of Green Motorists has named Solelia Greentech a 2012 “green role model” and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) also named the company its Climate Solver 2012.

“We are very happy and proud of the awards and the support that the industry is giving our solar chargers. Our solution makes a real difference and helps make travel by car sustainable,” says Carolina Johansson, CEO of Solelia Greentech.

4.____________________________________tomologic.

Tomologic has developed a method for reducing waste in the metal industry by up to 50 percent. At present, large amounts of waste material are created when any type of sheet metal is cut. The waste, which often amounts to 30-40 percent of the material, entails a major cost for the manufacturing industry and also wastes huge amounts of energy, with negative environmental impact as a result.

“We have managed to solve a major problem for the manufacturing industry and, in the near future, Tomologic will set a new industry standard,” explains Josefin Nordström, CFO at Tomologic. Tomologic was the major winner of the 2012 Nordic Cleantech Open. The company is now on the verge of global expansion and has begun negotiations with several investors to raise capital and to bring in additional expertise and expand networks for the company. Potential investors are located in Europe, the US, China, and India. Tomologic already has a number of pilot customers and, in the coming year, plans to scale up its operations.

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5.___________________chromogenics. ChromoGenics develops technologies for smart windows that save energy and improve comfort inside buildings. ConverLight™—the company’s electrochromic foil—can be made lighter or darker by applying a weak electrical current. ChromoGenics has developed a unique roll-to-roll process (R2R), in which electrochromic material is coated onto plastic foil instead of being applied to glass. The processes, materials, and techniques used are backed by the company’s patents and know-how, which have been accumulated over more than 20 years. The smart window technology provided by ChromoGenics’ ConverLight™ product primarily targets window applications in buildings as its market, which total four billion square meters of glass annually. ChromoGenics’ solution is both attractive and competitive because the foil used is a mere 0.4 mm thick. What’s more, it can be cut into any shape and laminated between glass using the conventional equipment already owned by customers.

“We have already demonstrated the production of ConverLight™ in large volumes during trials of R2R. We are now discussing benchmark projects with manufacturers of insulating glass, and we already have several demonstration units in place with potential end-customers and end-users,” explains ChromoGenics’ CEO, Thomas Almesjö.

cal plant protection that combats fungal diseases.

________________________Aerogels Insulation Material. Aerogel AB is a research and development company that commercializes a patented version of the material aerogel in various applications. __________________Alelion Batteries Batteries. Alelion’s main business is to define, develop, and deliver tailormade batteries and power electronics for any type of demanding product that benefits from the new battery technology.

________________________Anolytech Agriculture. Anolytech has developed a system for disinfecting water, equipment, facilities, and furnishings used in the livestock industry and other types of operations that require a high level of hygiene.

_____________CentriClean Systems Air Filtration. CentriClean Systems offers solutions for industrial air cleaning. The technology is based on traditional cyclonic separation principles, but is much more efficient. _________________________Chemrec Bioenergy. Chemrec has developed a process for producing DME fuel from black liquor, an energy-rich by-product of the pulp industry.

_________________________Biorecro Carbon Storage. Biorecro creates negative emissions through the use of BECCS. Carbon dioxide is captured from the atmosphere, extracted, and then stored permanently thousands of feet below ground. ___________________CBC Sweden Water Purification. CBS offers a unique and highly effective bark absorbent that removes petroleum products from water. __________________________Cellfab Building Material. Cell reinforcement is a new, unique reinforcement method for concrete, asphalt, and other materials. The cell reinforcement offered by Cellfab uses 75 percent less steel than traditional reinforcement.

________________________ChemseQ Water Purification. ClimateWell has developed a technology for storing solar energy that can then be used for both heating and cooling. ____________________ChromoGenics Improving Energy Efficiency. ChromoGenics is a global technical leader in developing smart window technologies that save energy and increase comfort levels in buildings. _____________________Chromafora Chemistry. Chromafora possesses expertise in the field of phosphine chemistry and the use of phosphines attached to solid particles. ________________________Cleanergy Solar Power. Cleanergy produces and markets CHP (combined heat and power) engines based on Stirling technology for biogas, landfill gas, and natural gas use.

___________________Arc Aroma Pure Biological Treatment. Arc Aroma Pure’s CEPT system is designed for the biological treatment and sterilization of pumpable products. ___________________________Arsizio Production Engineering. Arsizio identifies and streamlines products from concept to production and enables reductions in raw material and energy use during production. _____________Binab Bio-Innovation Biological Plant Protection. Binab develops and manufactures biologiGR EEN SO LU T I O NS FRO M S W ED EN | 17

tHE HOt lIS t

______________ClimaCheck Sweden Improving Energy Efficiency. ClimaCheck has a method for analyzing cooling and heating processes, with the objective of optimizing the functionality and daily operations of heat pumps, refrigeration, and air conditioning equipment and systems.

__________________Ekobalans Fenix Recycling. Ekobalans offers sustainable solutions in the handling of nutrient-rich residues such as sewage sludge, biogas digestate, manure, and bioenergy ashes.

_________________________Expektra Improving Energy Efficiency. Expektra provides innovative solutions, contributing to a more efficient energy system with less environmental impact. _______________________eze System Improving Energy Efficiency. Eze system has developed an Internetbased solution for collecting, analyzing, and visualizing energy consumption and other data. ______________Ferroamp Elektronik Smart Electric Grids. Ferroamp develops power electronics for smart grid applications related to solar power, energy storage, EV charging, and visualization of energy flows. ____________________HelioCaminus Solar Panels. HelioCaminus is developing the EOS solar thermal collector, which converts sunlight into heat for tap water and for heating buildings. ____________________________I-tech Marine Technology. I-Tech is developing a marine biocide, Selektope, to be used in marine paint, which inhibits growth on ship and boat hulls.

______________________ClimateWell Improving Energy Efficiency. ClimateWell delivers energy-efficient com ponents that are customized and integrated into an OEM manufacturer’s products, so called “design-in” components.

__________________________Entrans Improving Energy Efficiency. Entrans’ product FlexiGen converts surplus or waste heat at low temperatures into useful energy for electricity, usable heat, and cooling. FlexiGen utilizes the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) for operation.

_____________________IBC Robotics Cleaning Technology. IBC Robotics’ main product is the IBA solution, used for cleaning standard containers. This solution is totally automated and dry. ________________________Innventia Research and Development.

Innventia is a research and development company working with innovations based on forest raw materials.

__________________CorPower Ocean Wave Energy. CorPower Ocean has developed an advanced compact high-efficiency Wave Energy Converter (WEC) inspired by the pumping principles of the human heart.

18 | G R EEN SO LU T I O NS FRO M S W ED EN

___________________________Exibea Improving Energy Efficiency. Exibea has developed a range of solutions for home energy management that helps users to take control of their electricity consumption.

__________________________Knycer Drying Technology. Knycer has

developed a drying cabinet that uses a dehumidifier instead of heating. _________________________LunaLEC Lighting Technology. LunaLEC’s product is a polymer light-emitting electrochemical cell, also known as an LEC or LEEC. These are printable, inexpensive light-emitting devices for use in displays and lighting applications. ______________________Midsummer Solar Panels. Midsummer produces thin film CIGS solar cells on small substrates that can be used for conventional module manufacturing.

__________________________NeoZeo Biogas. NeoZeo focuses on technology innovations for porous materials (structuring and modifications) for different applications, such as gas separation, gas filtration, water treatment, and catalytic and medical applications.

molecules and reformulates it into hydrogen and carbon dioxide. ______________________Rindi Energi Bioenergy. Rindi is an energy company delivering district heating to end-customers. Rindi builds and operates facilities for the delivery of heating, steam, and electricity.

__________Optistring Technologies Solar Power. Optistring Technologies is in the process of developing a unique power inverter system for grid-connected solar power installations.

____Scandinavien Energy Efficiency Improving Energy Efficiency. SEEC offers a solution for heating and cooling properties that reduces primary energy consumption. Excess heat is stored in boreholes and is used for heating. Alternatively, cooling energy can also be stored. _________________________SenSic Biogas. SenSic is a provider of new gas sensors for domestic biofuel heaters and biomass heater plants

____________________________myFC Energy Storage. myFC provides a hydrogen fuel cell power source for on-demand charging of cell phones and other low-power portable electronics away from the grid.

________________________Orexplore Analysis Technology. Orexplore aims to develop portable, easy-to-use, and extremely accurate equipment for analyzing the composition of nonorganic materials, primarily minerals. ______________________Primozone Water Purification. Primozone develops ozone generators used for different industrial water treatment applications. ________________________REAC Fuel Bioenergy. REAC Fuel converts lignocellulosic biomass in a financially- and environmentally-sound process into chemicals and liquid fuels. ______________________Reformtech Air Filtration. Reformtech’s reforming process cracks fuel into elementary

GR EEN SO LU T I O NS FRO M S W ED EN | 19

the hot lis t

■ Scandinavian Energy Efficiency. ■

that increase combustion efficiency and reduce unwanted emissions. _______________________simris AlG Microbiology. Simris Alg grows microalgae in order to deliver valuable products for food, animal feed, and health products. ______________________sol Voltaics Solar Power. Sol Voltaics improves the efficiency of energy capture, generation, and storage using minuscule amounts of novel nanomaterials. _________________solelia Greentech Solar Power. Solelia Greentech rents and sells solar-powered charging stations so that organizations can provide charging for electric cars using completely clean electricity. _________________________sorubin Water Purification. Sorubin develops energy-efficient aerators for industrial water treatment. __________________________terrigio Irrigation Systems. Terrigio manufactures irrigation systems. Its products use SAVAQ technology to improve irrigation efficiency and performance. _______________________tomologic Production Engineering.

Tomologic offers a unique optimization system for maximum 20 | G R EEN SO LU T I O NS FRO M S W ED EN

efficiency and minimal environmental impact in industrial sheet metal cutting. ____________triventus Wind Power Wind Power. Triventus Wind Power takes wind power projects from concept to value-creating energy production. ______________Vigor Wave energy Wave Energy. The Vigor Wave Energy

Converter is based on a floating hose and uses water and air as mechanical parts to absorb wave energy. __________________Zemissions Emission controls. Zemission develops, customizes, and produces burners for different custo. mer applications. The technology is physically scalable to an unprecedented degree.

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Over these three days, you will learn how we have created one of the most sustainable countries in the world. The program combines talks and field trips, and includes meetings with representatives from municipalities, academia and industry. The goal is understand what is needed to create a sustainable society.

You will also meet with consultants and companies that have been involved in the process from the very beginning in Sweden. They can provide valuable expertise that will help you achieve your goals faster, more cost-effectively and with better results.

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• Study visits to relevant reference objects DAY 3: • Talks on the municipality’s and the government’s role in sustainability efforts.

• Workshops on addressing your local conditions and opportunities.

• Planning the next step.

a nn a - k a rin h at t

■ Anna-Karin Hatt Minister for Information Technology and Energy Ministry of Enterprise and Energy. ■

22 | G R EEN SO LU T I O NS FRO M S W ED EN

Minister CoMbines it and energy in CleanteCh initiatives Sweden has one minister responsible for both IT and energy. This arrangement is intentional and the minister, Anna-Karin Hatt, recognizes that the two fields are becoming increasingly integrated. Apart from renewable energy and energy efficiency measures, cleantech exports and research into alternative energy sources are two more important issues handled by the ministry.

T

he Swedish energy minster’s genuine commitment to environmental issues is obvious to anyone who knows her.

As an example, Hatt chose to highlight the effects of climate change when inaugurating a combined power and heating plant in Helsingborg in southern Sweden. On that occasion, her remarks included the following statement: “We are living in critical times. If the earth’s average temperature were to rise by more than two degrees Celsius, it would have dramatic effects on our society. Here in Sweden, we would experience longer and wetter summers with more precipitation. We would also see tropical storms and drought in other parts of the world.

We might perhaps also see positive effects, like larger crop harvests, but

also negative effects like more pest damage to our forests, increased water flow, and greater risks of landslides along our waterways.

Without doubt, parts of the world would suffer crop failure and famine more often and epidemics would find new ways of spreading. We would see new streams of refugees, geopolitical tensions, and increased competition for dwindling natural resources. This is what climate challenge is all about.”

Her speech at the power plant also testifies to how seriously Sweden takes its green energy supply. Generating heat and electricity simultaneously in combined power and heating plants is a technique that Sweden began pursuing in earnest during the 1980s and 1990s. Since then, electricity and district heating, which were initially derived from oil and coal, have become increasingly greener.

Today, Swedish combined power and heating is green and is based almost entirely on biofuels and waste collected from the forest industry and on recycling household waste to produce energy. Moreover, one in two Swedes now lives in a house heated by district heating. Forty percent of this heat comes from combined power and heating plants, and 13 percent of Sweden’s electricity is produced in these modern power plants.

“As the Swedish Energy Minister, I am very proud that we have come this far. And I am confident about the future. Each day, the energy revolution gains more ground. What’s more, our energy evolution can also help others. Because when countries cooperate and when new discoveries spread, in time it can create a real revolution,” Hatt told the audience at the inauguration.

GR EEN SO LU T I O NS FRO M S W ED EN | 23

a nn a - k a rin h at t

■ “Often, these sOlutiOns have been wOrked Out at the municipal level, resulting in gOOd, cOmprehensive sOlutiOns that can be applied in Other cOuntries. we’ve nOw integrated this intO Our strategy, which includes demOnstrating swedish sOlutiOns within Our ‘symbiO city’ cOncept” ■ One of Hatt’s secretaries of state, Daniel Johansson, points out that Sweden took up the environmental cause early on by expanding its district heating and electricity resources, and that this know-how can now be exported. He also points out that this expansion has been achieved in close cooperation with the Swedish people.

“Often, these solutions have been worked out at the municipal level, resulting in good, comprehensive solutions that can be applied in other countries. We’ve now integrated this into our strategy, which includes demonstrating Swedish solutions within our ‘Symbio City’ concept,” he explains.

Meanwhile, energy derived from waste is an important aspect of the Swedish energy system and will continue to be so. “In all likelihood, waste will continue to play a major role. We have combined heating and power plants that provide much of our energy and heat from waste incineration. In this regard we’re ahead of many other countries, where it’s still common practice to dump waste in landfills.”

The state secretary also emphasizes other forms of waste management: “Even more exciting is the role that waste and residual products can play in the development of new fuels, such as biogas made from household 24 | G R EEN SO LU T I O NS FRO M S W ED EN

waste that powers municipal buses and trucks. I believe this role will increase in the future,” he says.

One important issue on AnnaKarin Hatt’s agenda is how to increase cleantech exports. A strategy has been put in place for the period 2011 to 2014 and under this strategy, all Swedish ministries and authorities dealing with exports and technological development are to cooperate.

This includes the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with agencies like the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth, the Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems (Vinnova), Business Sweden, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, the Swedish Energy Agency, and the Center for Environmental Technology (Centec).

In addition to cooperation between different cleantech stakeholders and between government agencies, Daniel Johansson believes that the most important part of this strategy is taking a holistic approach to the entire value chain.

“It’s not just about different stakeholders cooperating. In reality, the strategy involves initiatives that cover the entire value chain–from concept and innovation to finding a market and establishing a product.

The broader initiative also aims to identify the challenges that companies face,” Johansson says.

In addition, the state secretary points out that some of the efforts have been very concrete and well timed. “We are now seeing targeted export ventures aimed at China, Russia, India, the US, Turkey, and Brazil,” he adds.

The 400 million Swedish kronor being spent to help Swedish cleantech companies enter the world market are being combined with research into renewable energy. Anna-Karin Hatt has described the main purpose of state-funded energy research as helping Sweden to achieve its energy and climate goals. Because new knowledge and new technology are so important, energy research is a natural and integrated part of Swedish energy policy.

“We’re now investing heavily in energy research; spending SEK 1.3 billion per year starting this year and SEK 1.4 billion per year from 2016,” wrote Hatt in a blog post dated January 22, 2013.

In the same posting, Hatt also mentions a company working within cleantech that combines several of the factors that she considers to be important–renewable energy and export opportunities. The company is Nlab Solar AB. Nlab Solar develops solar cells that can be integrated into

GR EEN SO LU T I O NS FRO M S W ED EN | 25

a nn a - k a rin h at t

everything from common consumer products to large buildings.

“This is one of many solutions that can contribute to both the domestic and global energy transition, while also creating important jobs here in Sweden and welcomed export revenues.”

Johansson believes that Sweden compares well internationally when it comes to transitioning to alternative energy sources. “We are the best in Europe and among the best in the world in terms of the proportion of renewable energy we use. That’s good, but we still have considerable

challenges to face, as does the rest of the world. Not least important in this transition is rethinking our transports, an area where we are still almost entirely dependent on fossil fuels,” he says.

This view is confirmed by the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Executive Director, Maria van der Hoeven: “Sweden has achieved more resource-efficient and sustainable energy use through investments in renewable energy, increased energy efficiency, and more energy research and innovation. Renewable energy resources have been expanded in a

26 | G R EEN SO LU T I O NS FRO M S W ED EN

cost-effective way. Through Sweden’s tradable green certificate system, the share of renewable electricity has increased, at a low cost to the consumer,” she writes in the IEA’s evaluation of Swedish energy policy.

The evaluation also specifies how Sweden has adopted ambitious, long-term goals for reducing carbon dioxide emissions and increasing renewable energy. “We’re now on track to achieve, or even exceed, these objectives,” wrote Anna-Karin Hatt in an article co-authored by Van der Hoeven.

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re ne wa ble e ne rgy

We can build a sustainable electricity system in Sweden using solar energy, biomass, wind, and currently available hydropower. And it could be completed by 2030, according to a report from the Swedish Wind Energy Association (Svensk Vindenergi). The report argues that there are no technical or economic barriers to transitioning to fully renewable electricity production in Sweden. Rather, what is lacking is the political will.

Sweden Can Achieve Fully Renewable Electricity Production

‘‘E

ven so, we cannot ignore the fact that the first nuclear reactors are approaching the end of their life spans. Even if nuclear power were politically acceptable, it is highly doubtful that anyone would want to invest. Recent numbers from projects in several countries show that new reactors are becoming increasingly more expensive,” says Annika Helker Lundström, CEO of the Swedish Wind Energy Association.

There is excellent potential for renewable electricity in Sweden.

Merely the wind power projects already licensed could produce 30 TWh of electricity, which equals about half of last year’s nuclear power generation. But a renewable electricity system presents challenges. It has to handle both when there are strong winds and when there is no wind at all.

According to the report, simulations from the Royal Institute of Technology show that hydropower can balance the varying wind conditions for 30 TWh of wind power.

“New studies also show that hydropower produced in 2008 had more hourly adjustments than would be required to meet the same variations caused by 55 TWh of combined wind power, solar power and electricity consumption,” explains Helker Lundström.

So there is good potential for a renewable electricity system. But it requires a thoughtful approach to be done cost-effectively. “The grid needs

28 | G R EEN SO LU T I O NS FRO M S W ED EN

to be refurbished and improved and trading capacity with our neighbors increased. It requires investing in ‘smart grids’ that enable all consumers to become more active on the electricity market, while providing new opportunities to manage the variability of renewable electricity,” she says.

According to the report, the Swedish National Grid’s first move should be to develop an action plan for the grid that allows it to meet the Swedish Parliament’s goal for 30 TWh of wind power by 2020. “It also requires in-depth analysis of how we can best tackle the issues of balancing power, load leveling, and energy storage,” says Annika Helker Lundström.

The report also notes that demand curves in the electricity certificate system also need adjustment. Previously, the Swedish Energy Agency estimated that only just over 11 TWh of

wind power would be built by 2020, based on the existing goals. “We are likely to reach that level in 2014. We then risk a slowdown unless grid improvements are accelerated and ambition levels increased,” Helker Lundström argues.

She also argues that the Swedish government should press for greater cooperation with other EU countries.

By allowing other countries to pay for credit for the relatively cheap renewable electricity that can be made in Sweden, Swedish electricity customers get a lower electricity price without having to pay for the grid expansion.

“With a strong investment in renewable electricity and continued improvement of the grid, we can build a sustainable electricity system. This opens the option of closing ageing reactors and for a more secure power supply if new nuclear plants do not materialize,” says Helker Lundström.

E ditori a l column: larS linG iS cEo of clEantEch rEGion SolutionS aB

Swedish cleantech to boost the world Over 6000 SwediSh cleantech cOmpanieS are working hard every day to make a difference and addressing the climate and sustainable challenges that we are facing.

The strengths come from Sweden’s heritage and changing climate, with harsh winters, Sweden has long been a model for energy-saving technologies and environmentally advanced intellectual knowledge that now is becoming vital. You will find many success stories and companies in this magazine.

We can all see that the need for sustainable solutions is growing, the way we live our daily life and consuming is just not going to work. We are expected to be over 9 billion people by 2050. That’s equal to almost 400,000 thousand new citizens every day, that will need somewhere to live, food and water. Houses and buildings consume energy, to produce food you need even more energy and water.

This is the world’s biggest business opportunity.

SwediSh cleantech cOmpanieS have long experience in building and developing smart sustainable cities and societies. Symbio City is a concept that Business Sweden Agency together with companies, regions and partners that is focusing on building sustainable cities and regions.

Swedish cleantech companies are working together in projects to become more successful and also with International projects and companies.

The demand from China, India, Russia, Indonesia, Australia and Brazil are huge, and are some of the fastest changing and polluting countries including the U.S where the need for environmentally solutions are most needed and growing. the trend and faSteSt grOwing cOntinent is Africa with many successful projects in Water, renewable energy, environmental awareness and bioenergy initiatives, with huge potential.

With over a 3100 billion market 2020, the biggest business opportunity in the world is there for Swedish and the worlds cleantech companies!

Go make a difference!

GR EEN SO LU T I O NS FRO M S W ED EN | 29

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m at s de nninge r

■ Mats Denninger, High Representative for the International Environmental Technology Cooperation (IMT) at the Government Offices of Sweden. ■

32 | G R EEN SO LU T I O NS FRO M S W ED EN

China, India, and Russia are priority markets for Swedish cleantech exports and Mats Denninger is the man tasked with coordinating Sweden’s efforts to open doors in these countries.

“There is no quick fix here. It will take both patience and resources to succeed,” Denninger explains.

The Man Tasked with Opening Doors

C

limate and environmental challenges, which are rightly seen as being the greatest threat of our time, also present an opportunity. Major investments are being made all around the world in areas such as renewable energy, waste management, water treatment, and sustainable urban development. This development opens up major fields of opportunity for both Swedish cleantech solutions and Swedish industry.

In September 2011, the Swedish government invested in a strategy to promote the development and export of environmental technology, to provide support to Swedish industry.

The government’s investment of SEK 400 million in the program will continue until 2014.

China, Russia, and India have been

earmarked as key markets for Swedish cleantech technology. Mats Denninger, as High Representative for the International Environmental Technology Cooperation (IMT) at the Government Offices of Sweden, has now reached about the halfway mark in Sweden’s campaign to increase cleantech exports to China, Russia, and India. A large number of activities and initiatives have been carried out in these countries since the program started January 2011.

“We’ve focused on developing our contacts with public sector clients such as cities, regions, and municipalities,” says Denninger.

IMT started by reviewing the markets using criteria related to administrative capacity and needs.

From there, a number of regions and cities of interest were identified.

“We’ve collected information on, communicated with, and visited the cities and regions of interest to us,” continues Denninger.

The next step was to match Swedish companies with the needs of the targeted cities and regions.

“We discovered, however, that meeting the demand for large system orders represents a significant challenge for Swedish companies”, he says. “There are, for example, not many companies in Sweden that can build and operate a wastewater treatment plant.”

Another challenge identified by IMT is the business model used in Russia and India.

“Funding is often based on public-private partnerships, which we have little experience with in Sweden.”

There is, of course, no such GR EEN SO LU T I O NS FRO M S W ED EN | 33

m at s de nninge r

obstacle in China. Needs are also more diverse there.

“This aspect and the fact that we have more experience exporting cleantech to China, means we have made more progress there,” says Denninger.

A special office for cleantech exports, Centec, has been operating in Beijing since 2008. Similar permanent offices, albeit smaller in size, are now also operating in Russia and India.

“I would say that all three markets have a substantial need for energy efficiency and waste management solutions, areas in which Sweden has significant expertise, particularly within its municipalities,” says Denninger.

This link to municipalities also causes a problem, however.

“Municipalities are good at defining and procuring functional units and systems. However, this also means that we in Sweden lack stakeholders who can deliver and operate facilities independently.”

A primary goal of the Swedish government’s initiative is to increase exports of Swedish cleantech. According to Denninger, Swedish cleantech exports to China doubled between 34 | G R EEN SO LU T I O NS FRO M S W ED EN

2008 and 2009 to over SEK 2 billion.

Exports have remained at that level since, however. Cleantech exports to Russia and India are currently SEK 1 billion and SEK 500 million respectively. The potential is however much greater. “The key to success is delivering innovative technology; offering smart solutions at low prices and always being ready to take the next step forward in technological development”.

“Increasing cleantech exports to these countries is a long-term project.

The perseverance that is needed to succeed requires high levels of resources.”

Denninger would like to see more investors choose to invest in Swedish cleantech.

“There is a great need for venture capital and consolidation. Fewer and stronger stakeholders would be better equipped to meet the challenges we face,” he says.

The question, then, is why more venture capitalists aren’t investing in cleantech, when everyone seems to agree that the industry has enormous potential.

“Unfortunately, the short-term returns are probably too small at present,” Denninger concludes.

Facts: the swedish government’s Cleantech strategy, 2011–2014 On September 1, 2011, Sweden’s cleantech strategy was presented by the then Minister for Enterprise and Energy, Maud Olofsson; the Minister for Trade, Ewa Björling; and the then Minister for the Environment, Andreas Carlgren.

The strategy aims to improve conditions conducive to the development and export of new Swedish cleantech solutions in four different policy areas; business, trade, the environment, and development assistance policy. The government will invest SEK 400 million in cleantech in the period 2011-2014 to fund short- and long-term initiatives covering everything from research and innovation to exports. As part of its strategy, the government has decided on some 20 missions to over 10 state-funded agencies and organizations. These missions will help to create better business conditions for Swedish companies in selected areas. The missions’ focus will be based on analytical data and on dialog with stakeholders in the area.

SWEETPOP.SE

SUSTAINABLE THINKING IS WORKING TOGETHER Almost everybody agrees that the key to a brighter future for the environment is cooperation. If we can set new standards for how we solve problems together we can really make a change.

That is exactly what we have been doing for decades in the Swedish process industry.

Working together to solve common problems. It is proven to be an eective strategy and we call it the ssg way. But you could also call it sustainable thinking.

SwediSh cleantech induStry

Germany

5 711

Norway

4 927

Denmark

2 671

Finland

2 343

China

2 230

USA

2 133

Netherlands

1 625

Great Britain

1 581

Turkey

1 254

France

1 249

Spain

1 216

India

1 044

Poland

967

Belgium

817

Italy

718 0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

swedish cleantech growing fast Compared to many other industries, the cleantech industry in Sweden is small.

Even so, it currently employs over 40,000 people and records annual sales of about SEK 120 billion. Moreover, the industry is experiencing rapid growth, and its exports are growing faster than those of other Swedish industries.

C

leantech is still a relatively small part of Swedish industry, but it is a high priority for the Swedish government, and the country’s public authorities have invested SEK 400 million in a cleantech strategy. In addition, Swedish municipalities play an important role and can help further facilitate the export of Swedish cleantech innovations and system solutions.

In 2011 the Swedish environmental sector exported goods and services to the value of SEK 38.9 billion, equivalent to 2.2 percent of the country’s total exports. This represented an increase of 6 percent or SEK 2.2 billion over 2010.

Environmental technology companies are divided into 13

36 | G R EEN SO LU T I O NS FRO M S W ED EN

facts about the swedish environmental sector: No. of employees: 69,000 Added value: SEK 60.6 billion Exports of goods and services: SEK 38.9 billion Increase in export value, 2010-2011: 6 percent or SEK 2.2 billion

different categories and, in 2011, companies active within the “recycled materials” category exported the most. This category exported goods and services worth over SEK 13 billion in 2011, equivalent to one-third of the sector’s total exports.

Sales in the environmental sector

totaled SEK 241 billion in 2011; an increase over the previous year of more than 3 percent, or just under SEK 8 billion. Between 2003 and 2011, sales in this sector increased every year except for 2009. The total increase in sales during this period was 65 percent.

With the exception of 2010, exports also increased every year during the period. The total increase in exports during the period was 69 percent.

The corresponding figure for Sweden’s total exports was 58 percent. The Swedish government and public authorities have a clear goal: they want exports to increase substantially, especially to the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, and China).

InternatIonal Interest In swedIsh waste ManageMent Waste management solutions are one Swedish cleantech sector that has achieved both increased exports and international recognition. Waste management and recycling accounted for nearly one-third, or SEK 12 billion, of Sweden’s total cleantech exports in 2011.

S

wedish waste management is internationally renowned thanks to Sweden’s technical and system solutions, that is, the way energy is extracted from waste and how it is used.

“Sweden’s strength is in taking a holistic approach to environmental issues; environmental problems are seen as assets, such as turning food waste into biogas or waste incineration that provides district heating,” explains Tony Clark, former Swedish Embassy Counselor in China and current Deputy Director of the International Unit at the Swedish Ministry of the Environment.

He also points out that Sweden was very quick to create systems with exciting cradle-to-grave solutions that included advanced collaboration from innovation and research all the way to practical implementation.

In the Swedish waste management system, municipalities are responsible for collecting and recycling all household waste (except waste that falls under producer responsibility), particularly packaging materials, newspapers, and electrical goods. Households are also responsible for sorting their own waste

so that it can be recycled correctly.

Today, 99 percent of Swedish household waste is recycled as either energy or materials, making Sweden one of the world’s leaders in waste management.

It is municipalities that have often driven development in Sweden. By specifying minimum requirements during public procurement procedures and developing expertise and techniques, they have laid the foundation for the systems and technological solutions that are now being exported.

Avfall Sverige (the Swedish Waste Management and Recycling Association) brings together the country’s leading waste management expertise.

“Sweden has the world’s best and most comprehensive waste management systems—that’s a view that is widely shared even outside the country.

Despite this recognition, Swedish exports of services, expertise, and equipment remain small. To address this problem, Avfall Sverige has launched a new task force that brings together stakeholders in Sweden to achieve a wider adoption of Swedish expertise and technology,” reveals Weine Wiqvist, CEO of Avfall Sverige.

Facts about swedish waste Management: Responsibility for collecting and processing household waste in Sweden is divided between municipalities and producers.

Producers are responsible for packaging and electronic waste.

Recycling expenses incurred by municipalities are recouped through waste fees levied on households, while producers recoup their costs through including a fee in the prices of the products themselves.

Sweden had a total ban on organic waste in landfills several years before the EU began imposing any such limits.

The more than two million tons of household waste that were incinerated with energy recovery in 2010 supplied 820,000 homes with district heating and provided 275,000 normal-sized houses with electricity, thus replacing large amounts of fossil fuel. A total of 14.4 GWh of energy were recovered through incineration, distributed as 12.6 GWh in heating and 1.8 GWh in electricity.

The 660 million tons of waste that was composted in 2010 provided 265,000 MWh of vehicle biogas and 51,000 MWh of heat. In addition, 583,000 tons of bio-fertilizer were produced.

The gas produced replaces over 7,925,000 gallons of gasoline and is currently the cleanest vehicle fuel available. In addition, material from 1.6 million tons of waste was recycled in 2010. Read more at www.avfallsverige.se

GR EEN SO LU T I O NS FRO M S W ED EN | 37

Venture capital

■ IKEA GreenTech latest investment is in DyeCoo Textile Systems, a Dutch company that has developed the first commercially available waterless dyeing technology. ergy. ■

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IKEA Invests Heavily in Cleantech Venture capital company IKEA GreenTech AB is investing heavily in cleantech. The company has so far invested EUR 12 million in four companies of a total of EUR 60 million allocated for investment.

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KEA GreenTech, a venture capital company within the IKEA Group, invested EUR 12 million between 2010 and 2012 in companies working with cleantech and in a venture capital fund that invests in cleantech.

The venture capital company’s mission is primarily to invest in technology companies that contribute to greater sustainability, both for the community in general and within IKEA’s business activities. IKEA GreenTech is wholly owned by the IKEA Group, which means that these investments not only provide an injection of money and external expertise, but also open an opportunity to work with the IKEA furniture warehouse chain.

All profits are returned to the fund to create a continuous influx of capital that can be used to make new investments.

“Our goal is to make investments that enable IKEA to offer innovative new products that help people to live a more sustainable life at home. After evaluating interesting ideas from over

700 companies, we selected the technologies that offer real potential in this area,” says Christian Ehrenborg, Managing Director, IKEA GreenTech.

IKEA GreenTech was founded in 2008 and focuses mostly on the Nordic countries and Europe. The company now plans to accelerate the process of identifying new investments that will help the IKEA Group to fulfill its new sustainability strategy, People & Planet Positive.

“We are selective. We only invest in products, designs, materials, or processes that contribute to IKEA’s commitment to sustainability,” adds Ehrenborg.

IKEA’s sustainability strategy includes challenging commitments that are designed to help millions of people to save energy and water, and to reduce their household waste.

Moreover, the strategy also helps to make IKEA a more sustainable company. IKEA GreenTech is investigating opportunities throughout IKEA’s supply chain to support its strategy.

IKEA GreenTech’s Investment Criteria: • Minimum 10% ownership • Improved sustainability for IKEA business activities in combination with at least one other positive effect, normally cost savings • Products that are ready to be introduced onto the market • Primarily innovative technology, strong IPR and know-how • A business idea with major international potential and a distinct go-to-market plan • A strong and motivated management team • Timing; the market need should exist now • Possible to implement in IKEA business activities • Realistic exit possibilities within, typically, 5-7 years, with a good return on investment

GR EEN SO LU T I O NS FRO M S W ED EN | 39

Venture capital

About IKEA GreenTech IKEA GreenTech AB is a corporate venture capital company that makes equity investments in green technology companies. Its mission is primarily to invest in technology-based companies that improve the sustainability of IKEA’s business activities. The company is owned by the IKEA Group. This ownership structure gives potential access to the global and well-renowned IKEA retail concept.

Companies invested in: Exibea AB (Sweden) A market-driven company that produces products for monitoring and regulating energy consumption.

Other Mountain Cleantech Fund II (Cleantech growth fund in Germany/Austria/Switzerland) El-Seed Corp. (LED technology, Japan)

BoFood AB (Sweden) This company develops and produces vegetable-based food products with a focus on healthier dietary habits and reduced environmental impact.

One example of its products is the ice cream brand Lovice–ice cream made from soybeans.

Today, soybeans are often used in animal feed. Using soybeans as a base means that cows are no longer needed for ice cream manufacture, eliminating one stage in the production process.

Alelion Batteries AB (Sweden) This company works to supply complete, modular, climatefriendly energy storage systems consisting of battery cells, a mechanical connection, and their guidance and control electronics, primarily based on Li-ion batteries, for trucks and other applications.

IKEA GrEEnTECh InvESTS In wATErlESS TExTIlE dyEInG SySTEm

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KEA GreenTech latest investment is in DyeCoo Textile Systems, a Dutch company that has developed the first commercially available waterless dyeing technology. Using recycled carbon dioxide (CO2), the technology avoids the large amount of water and chemicals used in traditional dyeing pro­ cesses.

“DyeCoo’s waterless dyeing technology is a truly innovative system that could bring real environmental and costs benefits for the textile industry by reducing water and chemical use. Through the partnership, IKEA will help to speed up the development and availability of the technology,” says Christian Ehrenborg, Managing

Director, IKEA GreenTech AB. The investment will support the delivery of the IKEA Group Sustainability Strategy, People & Planet Positive, which includes challenging commitments for IKEA to make its products, operations and supply chain more sustainable. The significant potential of the waterless dyeing process has also been recognised by the world’s leading apparel and footwear brand, NIKE, Inc. which invested in DyeCoo in 2012. Nike’s strategic partnerships group worked closely with IKEA GreenTech throughout the investment process. The textile industry is one of the largest consumers of water and most of the world’s textile suppliers are

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located in Asia. The scale of the industry’s activity in the region can put pressure on the availability of clean water and contribute to environmental pollution in the discharges from manufacturing processes. By removing the need to use water in the dyeing process and eliminating the risk of effluent discharge, a known environmental hazard, the DyeCoo system could bring significant benefits to the region. The first range of machines developed and manufactured by DyeCoo are for waterless dyeing of polyester fabric. As well as helping to scale the processes for dyeing polyester, the partnership with IKEA will speed up the develop­ ment of processes and machines for dyeing cotton.

system provides long-term use and good interior climate.

Sick houses is the worst nightmare of a house-owner, but with Koljern™-technique you avoid future problems.

Your house will be a healthy and sound dream house with a good indoor environment. The combination of the technical advantages in the koljern method, and the long-term profits seen out of a lifecycle, perspective makes winners out of both consultants, contractors and house owners. The first price is non-problem ground construction in the future. The Koljern™-technology is proved to be energy efficient, damp proof, fireproof, flexible and durable. The Koljern™-technology can be used as supporting or non-supporting elements, in small, large and heavy buildings.

FOAMGLAS NORDIC AB Hällebergsvägen 7, SE-443 60 Stenkullen, Sverige Tel. +46 (0)302 378 56, Fax +46 (0)302 378 57, E-mail info@foamglas.se www.foamglas.se / www.koljern.se

Give up Bad Construction for Good!

Ecology & Economy in One

envac

Patience – A Success Factor for World-leading Waste Company One of Sweden’s true success stories in cleantech exports is Envac. The company is a world leader in automated waste management and has 38 offices in 21 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the Americas, and Australia.

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hy don’t we suck up waste with a vacuum cleaner? It seems that this question, posed at the end of the 1950s, would have a major impact on the waste management of the future. Back then, a hospital in northern Sweden was negotiating the purchase of a new central vacuum system, when the discussion suddenly took a different turn: “If we can suck all of the dust from every corner of the hospital using just one system, why can’t we do the same thing with waste?” No one had thought of the idea before, and no one knew if it was possible. It was. In 1961, Centralsug AB, now Envac, installed the first vacuum waste management system in the world in Sollefteå Hospital, northern Sweden.

The system is still in operation today, still with many of the original parts

from the early 1960s. Despite many attempts to convince others of the value of the technology, it still took four years after the first installation before the next contract came in 1965, when a municipal housing company in the Sundbyberg area of Stockholm decided to give the system a try.

Ultimately, the first vacuum system for household waste in the world was installed in an entirely newly built neighborhood. This system is also still in operation today.

A host of installations in the Stockholm area soon followed this first installation in a residential area in Ör in 1966. During a period spanning the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, underground waste transport systems servicing thousands of apartments were installed.

Nonetheless, interest in this new technology was not only growing in

Stockholm, but also abroad. Disney World in Orlando, Florida, opened in October 1971. Its aim was to offer visitors a chance to experience not only Disney’s own attractions, but also the latest in technological development.

One of these technical innovations was the underground waste system that Centralsug supplied, and which is still in operation today.

In spite of this high-profile US installation, it was primarily markets in southern Europe and Southeast Asia that attracted Envac’s interest. In the mid-1980s, the company began working the Spanish market. The first Spanish order finally came in 1988, when the city of Cartagena in the southeast ordered an underground waste transport system for a project covering 4,000 new homes. Installation began in 1989 and was completed GR EEN SO LU T I O NS FRO M S W ED EN | 4 3

E n vac

but that this alone is not enough.

“I think you need to realize that just because a cleantech solution is viable in Sweden, doesn’t mean it’s viable in other countries. Markets often differ due to strong political influences. The most important factor in every product sale is that the product provides clear customer benefit,” Törnblom says. “Given that cleantech sales are so dependent on political decisions in the form of regulations, subsidies, and so on, customer value can often be more difficult to estimate and predict than for other types of sales. For example, how much is clean air and less noise pollution actually worth in dollars?”

in 1995. This was a very promising start. However, an order that proved to be much more important to the company’s future came when the Olympic city of Barcelona chose to install Centralsug’s vacuum system.

The “new Barcelona” would look out onto the sea. It would be built on the site of the derelict industrial and docklands neighborhood along the coastline. The Olympic village was just the first phase, but Envac’s installation in the Olympic village in Barcelona was so successful that the City of Barcelona decided that more vacuum waste management systems should be built. Ten years later, Barcelona City included vacuum systems as a “common utility” in its master plan for the city’s expansion.

These installations in Barcelona were quickly also adopted throughout the rest of Spain. The Spanish market is now one of Envac’s largest and the company has offices in several Spanish cities.

Today, Envac has over 600 installations in more than 30 countries.

Jonas Törnblom, Director of Marketing and Communication at Envac, explains that Spain was an important market for the company to establish itself in, but that China is 4 4 | G R EEN SO LU T I O NS FRO M S W ED EN

becoming an increasingly important market for the simple reason that a lot of construction is taking place there.

Törnblom reveals that, despite successful installations in many countries, it took several years before exports really took off. He explains what it was that finally made growth a reality: “Growth really took off when cities around the world were forced to introduce waste sorting and when they, at the same time, began to realize that they no longer had room to store waste on sidewalks and in open spaces. Being clean and accessible became progressively more important in cities’ marketability,” says Törnblom.

One important reason why exports have increased is the fact that Envac has no production facility of its own.

“We buy in all the parts and assemble and install our systems on-site. Not being dependent on a factory has facilitated our geographic expansion, at the same time as it has also made the company less vulnerable to economic fluctuations,” he explains.

When it comes to Sweden, Törnblom believes that there is no shortage of good products and ideas that can increase cleantech exports–

The future looks bright for one of Sweden’s most successful export companies in cleantech and its plans for tomorrow are clearly laid out.

“We’re looking closely at the prospects our products have in North America. Developments in the US economy and housing construction look promising, which are important preconditions for sales of Envac’s products,” Törnblom concludes.

Facts: Envac:

Envac AB is a Swedish company with more than 50 years’ experience in automated waste management, and is one of Sweden’s foremost cleantech companies.

Envac invented the vacuum waste management system that applies vacuum technology to waste management in the early 1960s.

Today, Envac’s system is installed around the world–in neighborhoods, malls, city centers, industrial kitchens, hospitals, and airports. System construction is coordinated with the installation of other infrastructure, such as electricity, sewage, and water systems.

Envac is a wholly owned subsidiary of Stena Adactum AB, a company within the Stena Sphere.

e xpor t S

5 SucceSSful export companieS regulates Humidity Munters is an engineering and environmental technology company that produces products built on the fundamental relationship between water, air, and energy. The secret behind its export success is that Munters’ products can cool without creating moisture-related problems, and heat without creating too dry a climate. The foundation for these products is the knowledge that humidity increases when a building is cooled (as with conventional air conditioning, for example) which, in most situations, creates problems with moisture. For this reason, air conditioning and dehumidification is desirable in warm climates. On the other hand, heating and humidification are needed in cold climates.

cleaner air The Blueair company produces products that clean air of pollution down to the smallest particle. Its air purifiers are currently sold in over 50 countries, and the secret behind its export success is the speed and efficiency with which its products scrub indoor air. Blueair’s units remove allergens, asthma triggers, viruses, bacteria, and other airborne contaminants. At present the company is expanding rapidly in China, not least of all because of the smog problem in several major Chinese cities. Today, Blueair has distributors in over 40 Chinese cities, and the company saw its Chinese sales double in 2012. large-scale Heat pump Systems Termoekonomi is a knowledge-based company with a focus on modern, green energy. According to Termoekonomi itself, the company is a world leader in district cooling and large-scale heat pump systems. District heating and smart energy solutions for process industries, power plants, and offices are also among its specialties.

The company’s projects include cooling and heating solutions for the Olympic village in Beijing, China, and improving energy efficiency at a biogas plant in South Korea.

energy from Water Malmberg is a Swedish cleantech company working in the fields of biogas, geoenergy, water treatment, drilling, and environmental management. The company carries out assignments in both the Swedish and inte rnational markets. Malmberg is also at the forefront of efforts to extract energy from water. In the four years between 2006 and 2009, Malmberg has managed to build its first water purification plant in Russia; its first biogas plant in Germany for injecting gas into the natural gas grid; its first biogas plant in Austria; supply biogas technology to China; and create the world’s largest energy storage facility at Arlanda airport, outside Stockholm. In addition, Ukrainian authorities have signed a cooperation agreement for water treatment solutions with the Swedish Water Experience AB company, of which Malmberg is a part. The aim of the project is to modify wastewater and drinking water treatment systems in selected Ukrainian cities to meet European environmental standards. treatment plants across the Globe Purac constructs treatment plants for water purification and the treatment of biological waste all around the world–for wastewater, drinking water, and process water. Purac also constructs plants for biogas production and gas cleaning.

To date, Purac has completed well over 4,000 contracts in 70 countries worldwide, particularly in Europe and Asia.

Its contracting operations combine process, construction, and contracting expertise using its own and licensed technologies. Some examples of Purac’s expertise include methods that make it possible to reduce spatial requirements and operating costs by up to 50 percent.

GR EEN SO LU T I O NS FRO M S W ED EN | 45

Welcome to participate in this year’s edition of the Summer Academy organized by LSU and Sida. The debate on what should follow the Millennium Development Goals when they expire in 2015 is thoroughly underway.

What we know so far is that sustainability will play a central role in the new agenda. What are the youth organizations perspectives on sustainability and how can we as young people come up with solutions for a sustainable future? If you would like to meet other interesting organizations, exchange ideas and perspectives and get inspired you should attend the Summer Academy 2013.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION DATES / 12 – 17 June (arrival on the 12th and departure on the 17th) LOCATION / Sida Partnership Forum, Härnösand COST / Sida Partnership Forum covers room and board. Participants cover travel costs TARGET GROUP / Young people and youth organizations interested in sustainability work

WWW.LSU.SE/ SUMMERACADEMY

Young people solving old challenges with new solutions

Cle a nteCh in s we de n

CleanteCh in sweden

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The Swedish cleantech industry is growing fast and many exciting developments are taking place around the country. From north to south, regional networks are working to develop the industry.

Their work includes technical visits, marketing, and matching companies with suitable investors, always with the same goal–to promote Swedish cleantech. We get the inside scoop on what’s happening right now in Sweden’s cleant ech industry.

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Cle a nteCh In s we de n

Flow regulator helps manage wetlands Eutrophication of lakes and seas affected by algae blooms, changes in fish stocks, and deterioration of swimming water quality has become a serious problem in many countries. One reason for these problems is changes in land use, but a project in southern Sweden is reversing this trend.

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ommunity developments with expansion of settlements, new roads and agricultural lands and forests have significantly affected water and wetland habitats. Wetland acreage has been drastically reduced, lakes have been lowered or drained, and many ditches have been deepened, straightened or piped. This means the water’s ability to self-purify has been reduced, leading to a decline in plant and animal species dependent upon wetland habitats. In 1995, nine municipalities in southern Sweden agreed to work together to improve the environment by raising water quality in lakes and streams and decreasing the efflux of nutrients into Oresund, the body of water between Sweden and Denmark. The project focused on restoring wetlands and ponds and constructing cultivationfree buffer zones along watercourses.

In addition to cleaner water, the goal is also to improve conditions for biodiversity and recreation.

The project has resulted in the construction of 148 wetlands with a total area of 365 hectares.

The inlet /outlet to the wetlands may be constructed as an open ditch, pipe, adjustable culvert, or dam. The use of other technical solutions with artificial materials is minimized, but in some cases they are necessary to solve problems such as leakage, erosion, or water level regulation. One such product is the WaReg flow regulator.

The flow regulator ensures that the ponds and lakes are not overfilled during periods of high rainfall and thereby minimizes damage to the surrounding areas. The device maintains the balance within the wetland area and also protects the wetland areas close to large watershed areas such as parking lots or other large, hard surfaces.

In general, wetlands have a positive effect on biodiversity and nutrient retention in intense agricultural areas.

Already during the first year after construction, the number of inverte-

For more information visit: www.sustainable-sweden.se/

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brate animals makes up a large number of species and individuals.

Plant growth shows the same pattern, and an average of 32 wetland plants was found per pond. Consequently, bird life shows a quick response to the constructed habitats.

Facts: Sustainable Sweden Southeast is a business network that assists international clients and investors to implement business solutions that support sustainability.

The network link and coordinate experiences and knowledge on environmental technology and sustainability from Swedish trade, industry and authorities with research resources from universities. The network includes southeastern Sweden’s leading technology companies together with public organizations and universities. Wapro is a member of Sustainable Sweden Southeast.

Cle a nteCh in s we de n

An ever-present difficulty for small and medium sized Swedish environmental technology companies is the challenge of reaching and also closing business deals with large enterprises and public bodies. The purpose of the KAM project, which stands for Creative Business-arenas for Environmental Technology is to bridge this gap and overcome this challenge.

CleanteCh ÖstergÖtland is a bridge builder

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s a municipally owned company we have better access to public organisations and we can offer a neutral arena for collaboration, something that is impossible for individual enviro-tech SME’s to achieve, says Project Manager, Caroline Davidsson.

Caroline Davidsson has worked for Cleantech Östergötland (CTÖ) since 2009 and one of CTÖ’s main tasks is to support the regional enviro-tech companies. The KAM project is about tearing down barriers between stakeholders where business opportunities are apparent by leading concerted business development efforts on neutral ground.

– Due to lack of knowledge, both public and private requests for proposals (RDPs) unintentionally exclude the performance and possibilities that many environ-tech SMEs with the latest solutions can offer, says Gert Kindgren, CEO of Cleantech Östergötland.

It is important to raise awareness about these SMEs among those who make decisions regarding future investments within both the public and the private sector. Moreover, Cleantech Östergötland’s member companies (mainly enviro-tech SMEs) have more to learn about the needs of these large purchasing organisations as well as how to structure the business deals in order to make a successful close. This is where the KAM project provides a new type of arena that successfully closes this gap.

Facts: Cleantech Östergötland • Cleantech Östergötland is a business-oriented arena in East Sweden that promotes collaboration for sustainable development and regional growth • Cleantech Östergötland is funded by the municipalities of Norrköping and Linköping and

by Linköping University.

• Cleantech Östergötland has more than 100 member companies. the KaM PrOJeCt – Creative business-arenas for environmental technology The purpose of the KAM project is to overcome the challenge that small and medium sized environmental technology companies face when pursuing business with large enterprises and public bodies.

Energifabriken (the Energy factory), one of CTÖ’s member companies, has gained from the project. Their product is the bio-fuel; RME, which is produced from rapeseed. Energifabriken’s customers are

both private and public but because of the relative novelty that their product represents, RME is often not included as a possible alternative in public RFPs. – David Varverud, part owner of Energifabriken explains; - the breakthrough often comes once the personal meeting has taken place and we’ve been given the chance to disseminate information about the possibilities available with RME. Energifabriken is participating in one of the KAM arenas, ‘fossil-free fuels’ which is a partnership between CTÖ and the Regional Energy Office.

The Energy Office provides a course for municipal officers and politicians that delivers an overall description of a wide variety of renewable fuels. In conjunction with this course CTÖ holds a creative workshop where suppliers of renewable fuels and the course participants can mix and discuss business models. The idea is for the participants to address, mainly obstacles, but also possibilities regarding the further establishment of renewable fuels in the public sector and on the market in general.

– The role as a bridge builder at CTÖ is fundamentally based on trust.

This trust ensures that we as employees of CTÖ receive information about both the demand side as well as the supply side and this is where it is important to allocate time and resources in order to turn this information into concrete business.

Caroline Davidsson concludes; - ‘The KAM project does just this!’

For more information visit: www.cleantechostergotland.se

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Cle Sola aNTeCH r poweIN r S we De N

GreenTech Visits is a collaboration between Sustainable Business Hub in Malmö, municipalities and a number of visit objects and companies within the region. The study visits are coordinated

by Sustainable Business Hub.

eNvIroNmeNTal buSINeSS DevelopmeNT IN SouTHerN SweDeN

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reenTech Visits is a collaboration between Sustainable Business Hub in Malmö, municipalities and a number of visit objects and companies within the region. The study visits are coordinated by Sustainable Business Hub. The target groups for GreenTech Visits are politicians, policy makers and administrators in the public sector, policy makers and officials in the private sector, as well as journalists. The study visits focus on sustainable urban development, resource

efficiency and cleantech. Among other places the study visits are located in Malmö, Lund and Helsingborg, cities that are ranked among the top ten sustainable cities in Sweden.

The study visit programs can include visits at reference facilities, talks about sustainable urban development, waste management, energy efficiency and sustainable healthcare, water and wastewater management, district heating and cooling, as well as lectures at universities.

GreenTech Visits are tailor-made

For more information: www.sbhub.se www.sustainable-sweden.se

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technical visits for international delegations. There are a number of visits; they include biogas, brownfield regeneration, early processes in Sustainable Urban Development, green housing in Malmö, the municipal housing Karlskronahem fossil free buildings, low-CO2 Heating Skåne, system solutions for a sustainable hospital, waste management and the world´s premier research and environmental environment in Lund.

Max IV, a world class giant microscope, will be completed in 2015 and ESS, the globe´s most powerful neuron source, will start construction in 2014. The Danish counterpart State of Green and GreenTech Visits have together created a service that will make it possible for delegations to visit both Sweden and Denmark during a one day visit. Other partners are Skåne Regional Council, The County Administrative Board of Skåne and municipalities within the Öresund region.

Facts: Green Tech visits GreenTech Visits are financed by Skåne Regional Council and the project Energy Öresund with special finances from City of Copenhagen and The County Administrative Board of Skåne. Inquiries about the study visits and bookings are handled by Sustainable Business Hub. The study visits are customized for international delegations.

Vision2.se FOTO: Sandra Lee Pettersson

We love a challenge!

Our plan is to double our production of renewable energy by 2020, whilst showing the same uncompromising concern for the environment. We will use our experience and our resources to squeeze more energy from every drop of water.

Hydropower is the foundation of our power production. 80 per cent of our electricity comes from the raindrops, rivulets and rivers that combine to form the enormous forces found in the rivers.

6LQFH EX\LQJ RXU ÂżUVW SRZHU SODQW \HDUV DJR ZH KDYH FRQWLQXHG WR VHDUFK IRU QHZ NQRZOHGJH DQG ZD\V WR LPSURYH :H DUH QRZ IRFXVLQJ RQ PDNLQJ RXU H[LVWLQJ IDFLOLWLHV EHWWHU DQG PRUH HIÂżFLHQW In Hissmofors, we are replacing and old plant with the latest technology. Modernisation will provide the right conditions for sustainable development and renewable energy for many decades to come. )LQG RXW PRUH DW ZZZ MDPWNUDIW VH HQJOLVK

CLE A NTECH IN S WE DE N

Umeå is home to all the knowledge necessary to understand how Sweden succeeded in becoming one of the world’s leading countries for sustainability work. International students rank Umeå University number one in Sweden and number five in the world according to the International Student Barometer survey.

TrAININg IN SuSTAINAbILITy PLANNINg

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weden’s first study programme for Environmental and Public Health Inspectors was introduced here in 1977, and the broad range of knowledge available within the field of sustainability puts both Umeå and Umeå University in a unique position. We will therefore be launching a commissioned course in autumn 2013 to communicate knowledge about sustainability to the rest of the world.

This course will run for three days and will combine theory with problem resolution and study visits based on the motto “Seeing is believing”.

Prior to the oil crisis of 1973 Sweden was one of the world’s most oil-dependent countries. Sustained efforts over the years to reduce our dependency on oil have led to Sweden using mainly alternative energy sources, with bioenergy now the single largest source of energy.

Swedish know-how in this area is

Facts: Technical Visits is an element in making Umeå a northern hub for environmental engineering. This project is financed by the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth (Tillväxtverket), Umeå municipality, Umeå Kommunföretag, Region Västerbotten, UMEVA, and Umeå Energi.

incredibly valuable in terms of solving global climate problems, and delegations from around the world travel to Sweden to study our success in encouraging society to change its ways.

“We want to engage with international visitors in a pedagogical way and to work together to create a sustainable society. This continuing urbanisation is revolutionary and we need to change our approach to planning cities and ultimately building them. Within the next 30

For more information visit: www.technicalvisitsumea.se

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years, the UN calculates that an additional 3.5 billion people will migrate to cities. The cities are set to become a key issue in the future,” says Mikael Öhlund, City Director and CEO of Kompetensspridning i Umeå AB, which aims to export Swedish environmental engineering know-how.

Another area in which Sweden excels is waste management. Today, waste in Sweden is re-used and recycled, with considerable amounts being used for energy recovery instead of being taken to landfill, which accounts for just under 2 %.

Elsewhere in the world, with very few exceptions, landfills are extremely common. Knowledge of systems is needed to understand how sustainable waste management can be developed.

“In Umeå we are proud to have a municipal waste company that is extremely proficient at waste masnagement. This was confirmed back in 2011 when we were named the best municipality in Sweden for sorting hazardous waste,” says Tomas Blomqvist, CEO of UMEVA. “It is important to bear in mind that it is not always the technical innovations that will solve environmental issues, but rather planning and building a sustainable society.

The situation therefore demands greater education and increased knowledge if we are to succeed in creating a society that is sustainable in the long term,” says Margareta Alfredsson, Planning Director city of Umeå.

Flexible Transportation Solutions for the Future of Freight Sundsvall Logistikpark is an investment in growth and the environment. We are expanding the Port of Sundsvall with a container port, a combiterminal and areas for establishing logistics operations.

There is already a rail connection to the Port of Sundsvall, one of Sweden's largest ports for the forest industry. In addition, ships leave regularly for Rotterdam, LĂźbeck, and London.

We have prepared space for storage of liquefied natural gas (LNG), a back-up fuel to biogas. The LNG terminal is strategically located as it is linked to three forms of transportation: ship, train and truck.

Areas in direct connection to these and close to the airport create exciting and sustainable new business opportunities.

Sundsvall Logistikpark offers flexible transportation solutions in the service of the environment.

www.sundsvalllogistikpark.se Envacadvert2012_greensolutions_178x120mm_PRINT.pdf

www.sundsvallshamn.se

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The sustainable waste management for the 21st century

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Envac’s automated vacuum waste collection system removes waste in residential areas, large-scale catering establishment as restaurants and airports, city centres and hospitals in over 30 countries.

Instead of being transported by lorries through the city, waste travels by air - underground.

This invisible solution contributes to a better environment on a local and global level.

Envac has developed an international presence with 37 offices across 21 countries in Europe, North and South America, the middle East, Asia and Australia

Envac - a sustainable contribution to the city environment Envac AB, Fleminggatan 7, 112 26 Stockholm, Sweden, Phone +46 8 785 00 10, www.envacgroup.com

CLE A NTECH IN S WE DE N

Green Business Region is an innovation and collaboration arena for cleantech companies in the two counties of Dalarna and Gävleborg.

A pLATform for CLEANTECH CompANIES

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reen Business Region is run by the Teknikdalen Foundation in Borlänge and aims at establishing Dalarna/ Gävleborg as a leading cleantech region in 2015. The network support companies in the green sector to grow and create new jobs by developing sustainable solutions for the future.

The region is strong in the following are strong in energy efficiency in the building sector, water purification, solar power technology, wind power technology and wehicles and alternative fuels (electricity and biogas).

One success factor for Green Business Region is to find good models for cooperation between the business, academic and public sectors. In that process, the University of Dalarna, the University of Gävle along with the different municipal energy companies play an important role.

In 2007 Dalarna was appointed “Pilot Region for Green Development” by the Swedish Government along with the counties of Skåne and Norrbotten. Green Business Region is an active partner in this honourable nomination, which involves spreading examples of best practice to other regions in Sweden.

Except the obvious focus on supporting cleantech companies to go from Ideas Into Business, Green Business Region also takes initiatives to establish other forms of regional collaboration projects. Among other things, Green Business Region offered the organisers of the 2015 FIS World Championships in Falun – Beyond

Skiing – to perform a pre-study on the sustainability related issues that an international event of that size inevitably encounters.

This helped integrate sustainability issues at an early stage of the planning process. Green Business Region now works closely with ÅF, the County Administrative Board and Falu Energy & Water to support the event organisers implement sustainable practices.

for more information visit: www.greenbusinessregion.se

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facts: Green Business region Green Business Region offer advice related to business deve­ lopment and export opportunities, management of national and international business visits to the many interesting energy and cleantech facilities located in Dalarna and Gävleborg. Green Business Region also offers funding advice and networks and seminars.

“Enabling international trade and private sector development�

A key issue for the Swedish chamber network is making use of green technology when it comes to both products and services. Chambers have a unique potential to make use of their role as policy advocators, their business networks and services to promote sustainable growth and green technology.

There are 11 regional chambers of commerce in Sweden eden and more than 40 Swedish chambers of commerce abroad. road.

Make use of the Swedish chamber network as a Gateway ay to Swedish Green Technology. Find the chamber closest to you on our website.

Chamber Trade Sweden is an international platform and non-profit organisation founded by the chambers of commerce in Sweden to enable business to expand internationally and make better use of both local and global glob bal n chamber and business networks. We focus especially on collaboration with local organisations and networks in emerging markets and developing countries. Green technology is a key focus in many of our projects. CTS reportt on Swedish green technology is available on our website. ite.

CLE A NTECH IN S WE DE N

In Sweden, a national initiative has been launched that aims to help bolster Swedish cleantech companies in the BRIC countries. The Business Region Göteborg network, together with Business Sweden, has been tasked with leading the business development program.

BooSTINg SWEDISH CLEANTECH IN THE BRIC CouNTRIES

T

he four BRIC countries–Brazil, Russia, India, and China–have enjoyed strong economic growth in recent years. Together, they have accounted for a significant share of global growth.

“There are major opportunities for Swedish companies to increase their exports to the BRIC countries. This initiative shows that there is a growing commitment among Swedish companies to seize these opportunities,” says Sweden’s Minister for IT and Energy, Anna-Karin Hatt.

Now Swedish stakeholders also want to bolster Swedish cleantech companies’ chances of success in the BRIC countries. More cleantech companies, or, alternatively, companies that act as suppliers for environmentally sustainable systems, will now be given the knowledge they need to

For more information: www.businessregion.se

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generate business opportunities in these markets.

Business Sweden and the regional cleantech networks Cleantech Östergötland, Stockholm Cleantech, Teknikdalen Foundation, and Green Business Region are also supporting the initiative, with Business Region Göteborg acting as its project manager. The project is financed through the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth’s Miljödriven Tillväxt (environment-driven growth) program.

“We initiated this campaign because we saw that there was a need among [Swedish] companies. Through the program, we aim to give small- and medium-sized Swedish businesses the opportunity to improve their competitiveness and develop their business in these emerging markets,” says Bernt Svensén, project manager for cleantech companies’ international

relations at Business Region Göteborg.

Sixty Swedish cleantech companies will be invited to participate in the project. Twenty of these companies will be given the opportunity to obtain a business development check for internationalization for SEK 250,000 per company.

Facts: BRIC BRIC stands for Brazil, Russia, India, and China–four large and fast-growing emerging markets.

The term was coined in a report by investment bank Goldman Sachs in 2001. The four countries do not form an economic union, however. Combined, BRIC countries cover over 25 percent of the Earth’s land area and are home to about 40 percent of the world’s population.

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